"CKN" 2003 Obituary

CKND o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2003-10-08 published
Israel ASPER: A timeline
Wednesday, October 8, 2003 - Page B6
1930s
BornIsraelHaroldASPER in 1932 in Minnedosa, Manitoba, the
son of musicians Leon and Cecilla.
Even in his youth, Mr.
ASPER was a newspaper junkie. As a Grade
10 student he started a newspaper on his own.
1940s
After the Second World War the
ASPERs built a small chain of
theatres in rural Manitoba and Winnipeg. Izzy was an usher at
one of the theatres.
MarriedRuth
(Babs)
BERNSTEIN, who he met in high school in Winnipeg.
Like the
ASPERs, the
BERNSTEINs were immigrants from Eastern
Europe.
1950s
Attended the University of Manitoba. Called to the Bar of Manitoba
in 1957.
son David, born in 1958, is now CanWest Global executive vice-president.
1960s
Daughter Gail, born in 1960 is now CanWest Global's corporate
secretary.
son Leonard, born in 1964, is president and chief executive officer
of CanWest Global.
1970s
Member of Legislative Assembly and Leader of the Liberal party
in Manitoba from 1970-1975.
Began his broadcasting career when he bought North Dakota's
KCND
in 1974, moved it to Winnipeg and changed the call letters to
CKND.
Buys 45 per cent of troubled Global Ontario network in 1974.
1980s
In 1988 he gains licences for new television stations in Regina
and Saskatoon.
Buys television stations in Vancouver and Halifax-Saint John.
In 1988, Mr.
ASPER and associates buy out partners in the Ontario
Global system.
In 1989, CanWest takes over 100 per cent of Global and becomes
CanWest Global Communications.
1990s
CanWest lists on the New York Stock Exchange in 1991.
In 2000, Mr.
ASPER moves into print with $3.2-billion purchase
of Southam newspaper group from Hollinger Inc.
2000s
The newspaper deal sparked heavy criticism as Mr.
ASPER was accused
of editorial interference at the papers.
Last year, CanWest fired Ottawa Citizen publisher Russell
MILLS
after the paper published an editorial critical of Prime Minister
Jean CHRETIEN.
Jazz was always Mr.
ASPER's passion - his brother gave him a
Rhapsody in Blue recording as a bar mitzvah present. In 2002,
CanWest opened a Winnipeg jazz FM station.
Died yesterday at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg at 71.